Dominican Republic
Trademark Registration in Dominican Republic - Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Trademark matters in the Dominican Republic are administered by the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI). The authority is responsible for the filing, examination, publication, opposition, and registration of trademarks. The system follows a first-to-file principle and includes both formal and substantive examination prior to registration.
Introduction
The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s largest and fastest-growing economies, with strong sectors in tourism, manufacturing, retail, and services. Its strategic location and active participation in international trade make it an attractive market for regional expansion. Securing trademark protection in the Dominican Republic is important for businesses seeking to establish and protect their brand in the Caribbean and Latin American markets.
Why Trademark Registration in Dominican Republic Is Important for Brand Protection?
Exclusive Rights: Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout the Dominican Republic.
Legal Enforcement: Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI) and relevant courts in the Dominican Republic.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of the Dominican Republic.
International Protection Advantage: The Dominican Republic is a member of major international intellectual property agreements, supporting broader trademark recognition and enforcement opportunities for businesses expanding globally.
Trademark Registration Procedure in Dominican Republic
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in the Dominican Republic.
Filing
Trademark applications are filed with ONAPI, including applicant details, representation of the mark, and specification of goods/services under the Nice Classification.
Examination
ONAPI conducts formal and substantive examination to assess compliance and registrability.
Publication
Accepted applications are published in the official bulletin.
Opposition Period
Third parties may file an opposition within 45 days from the date of publication.
Registration
If no opposition is filed, or if opposition proceedings are resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark proceeds to registration and a certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
Governing Law
Trademark protection in the Dominican Republic is governed by Industrial Property Law No. 20-00. The National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI) is the competent authority responsible for trademark administration and registration.
Trademark Services Available in Dominican Republic
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in the Dominican Republic.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Dominican trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Dominican Republic trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Dominican trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in the Dominican Republic.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Dominican brand.
Documents for Filing
Trademark details and logo
Description of goods/services
Name and address of Applicant
Power of Attorney (signed)
Priority document (if applicable)
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
**Last updated on: March 17, 2026
Timeline
Approx. 6–9 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections or opposition.
Validity & Renewal
Trademarks are generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed for successive 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
Need expert guidance for Dominican Republic trademark registration?
Book a 1:1 consultation with our trademark specialists.
Register early under the first-to-file system to prevent brand hijacking.
Insights on Dominican Republic IP Protection
Read More InsightsNo country category assigned.
Ready To Protect Your Brand
Don’t leave your intellectual property unprotected. With LP GLOBAL, trademark registration becomes clear, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, our expert team ensures your brand is safeguarded every step of the way.
